If you’re thinking of adding a pet to your family, there are many reasons why you should adopt a stray. In the United States, more than a million dogs and cats are euthanized every year. If people adopted pets instead of buying new pets, it would reduce this number. Be an example by moving any stigma against adopting stray dogs.
Give a stray a second chance
Animal shelters are full of wonderful dogs that deserve a chance at happiness. Just because they were lost and abandoned for one reason or another shouldn’t count against them. It’s a common misconception that all stray dogs are broken and problematic.
When you offer them loving care, they will usually respond well and develop into affectionate pets. They are also often house-trained and well-socialized so introducing them into your family home is easier.
If you go to OurFitPets, you can find Cavapoo rescues for adoption. A Cavapoo has a lovable, endearing personality and is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
You’d be saving lives
Dogs roaming the streets live lives of hunger, cold, fear, and physical abuse. If they are lucky enough to end up in a shelter, they may have to be euthanized if they aren’t adopted. There is simply not enough room in the shelters for all the stray dogs.
When you adopt a stray dog, you could be saving more than one life. You not only give one animal a home and a chance for a better life but you make room for another stray dog.
A benefit that probably does not cross your mind when you want to adopt a stray is that it usually costs you less. You don’t have to pay for the costs of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and even microchipping in certain cases.
You can choose from a great selection of dogs
Most stray dogs are a combination of at least two different breeds. They may not be purebreds but this gives them certain advantages. They may have the best character traits of both gene pools. Purebred dogs seem to have more genetic health issues, although the evidence is not conclusive.
Animals that go to a shelter are admitted by experienced staff and given vaccines on arrival. Vet partners often deal with healthcare issues and concerns so they are healthy and well when you adopt them.
It teaches your children
Having a pet helps you to teach your children to take care of another living being. You can teach them compassion in caring for a stray pet who may not have known love and affection.
Make sure that they know the proper way to approach the new pet – no prodding, hugging or poking until the dog is more comfortable with the new surroundings. The dog is likely to become a great companion for having fun and playing games.
You help support the fight against puppy mills
Puppy mills put profit above the well-being of animals. The dogs are often housed in poor conditions without medical care. Moms of puppies are kept in cages and keep breeding, only to be abandoned or sold on auction when they are no longer profitable.
Unsuspecting consumers have no idea what goes on behind the scenes when they buy a puppy through a newspaper ad or a pet shop. As long as there is a market for these puppies, puppy mills will continue to operate.
When you adopt a stray dog, you are making a contribution to society by helping to control the stray dog population and taking a stand against illegal breeders.
Written by Lara Harper
